Saturday, July 9, 2011

affirmation

So I was a little scared apprehensive about my return to Mexico. Many people had questioned why I was returning after only one month a thome and what I would be doing before school starts. Would anyone be in town? Would I be lonely? Would I have anything to do? As soon as I stepped into my new little house, (pictures coming soon; still a work in progress) I knew that it was good to be back. As previously stated, my time at home was so pleasant. I thoroughly enjoyed being with my family, friends, and church homes. However, spending time at home would have only intensified the anxious feelings I had about returning. It would have been quite easy (easier than I thought) to stay in Marietta under the comfort of my loving parents and in my little East Cobb bubble. But I knew that the Lord had things for me to do here in Chiwas. And so I returned.

I've only been back for a couple days, but let me tell you, it was worth it to return. Getting my first place organized and ready has been such a thrill. To have a place that is just mine and that reflects who I am and what I love is a huge blessing. Working at the brickyard with the kids each afternoon has been so much fun, too. They remember me, and we have had a blast playing and learning about the attributes of God this week. On Friday afternoon, I taught for the first time in Spanish. I can't say that it was the most inspiring thing and that there was this amazing movement of the Holy Spirit, but I will tell you that once I began talking, the room all of sudden got 20 degrees hotter. The opportunity that I have to be with the kids and ladies there is wonderful, though, and I am so grateful that the Lord is allowing me to a be a part of it.

This morning, Wendy (my thoughtful neighbor) and I went grocery shopping, and after a productive trip to Soriana, (one of the main grocery stores here) we went to Super Amigo for some cheap produce. This place has friendly employees (hence the name, Super Amigo) and unbeatably low prices on produce. I had been to Super Amigo one other time when I first arrived in Chiwas, but had not returned since my first visit. When I went, I was with my colleague and friend Chris, who faithfully shops at Super Amigo each Saturday morning and knows the employees well. I remembered meeting a certain friend of hers and wondered if I would see him today. After running into and catching up with my friend Alma from church, I saw my old friend. He remembered me, too, and wondered why I had not come in so long. He said, "Oh, yes, I remember you; I always call you pretty girl! Why you not come here in so long? You been going to Wal-mart and S-Mart, haven't you? Those places are too expensive. I never go there."

In the midst of talking about what I do here, he asked about whether my school gives English classes, and then he said, "Oh, can you give classes to my son? He need to learn English. He don't speak no English." I know from the first time we met that Fidel (like Castro but not) knows English because he spent a few years in the States. And of course, I said yes, and saved his number in my phone. Don't worry folks, he doesn't have my number and I won't be calling him, even though he assured me that his son, who is a taxi driver, is a good boy who does not do drugs or drink alcohol. However, I appreciated catching up with him; it is hard to believe that it has been 11 months since we last saw one another. While Fidel and I primarily spoke in English, to think that I could not have sustained a conversation in Spanish without constant questions for clarification 11 months ago is so funny to me. I love being able to converse comfortably in Spanish now. Praise the Lord for all of those determined years of Spanish study.

This afternoon, I visited with my friend Melissa and her family. Melissa will be a junior at Binimea next year, and tomorrow she is getting baptized! I am so grateful that I get to witness her bold declaration of faith before her church family. I am so proud of her, and I love her so much.

All in all, I am grateful to be here. I woke up this morning and took a look at my new surroundings and thought to myself, "I love this little house." And each day since my return has been like that, full of little affirmations that I am exactly where I need to be for this season. For that, I am assuredly grateful.

Yes, there are still many questions left unanswered as to my future post-Mexico. But I do not need to know those answers right now, and that is okay. The Lord will reveal Himself in due time. For now, I want to enjoy living right where I am.